The Halo franchise is entering a major transition following a fresh round of layoffs at Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division. Halo Studios, the team previously responsible for the franchise, has reportedly been reduced to a much smaller group, while Activision has taken responsibility for developing the next major Halo title.
Halo Studios Faces Major Changes
Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, was among the Xbox studios affected by Microsoft’s latest restructuring. According to reports, only around 30 employees remain at the studio after the cuts.
The remaining team is expected to focus mainly on supporting the existing Halo community and other Xbox-related projects. Studio head Pierre Hintze is also reportedly among those who remain.
The changes come as Xbox restructures several parts of its gaming business. Microsoft previously confirmed that 268 positions would be eliminated across various Xbox teams and studios.
Activision to Develop the Next Halo Game
One of the biggest changes is the shift in responsibility for the next Halo game. Activision, best known for the Call of Duty franchise, is now building a dedicated team to work on the upcoming Halo title.
The new group will operate separately from Activision’s existing Call of Duty development teams. The company has said it has already started assembling a specialised team for the project.
However, details about the upcoming game remain limited. Microsoft and Activision have not announced its release date, gameplay features or platforms. The project is also expected to be several years away from launch.
Several Halo Projects Were Reportedly Planned
Before the restructuring, Halo Studios was reportedly exploring several projects. These included potential remakes of Halo 2 and Halo 3, a new mainline game referred to as Halo 7, and a separate project inspired by the First Strike novel.
Reports suggested that some of these projects were still in the early planning stages rather than full production. Their future remains uncertain following the restructuring and the transfer of the franchise’s next major game to Activision.
What Happens to Halo Now?
For players, the immediate future of Halo remains unclear. Halo Studios will continue supporting the existing games and community, while Activision works on the franchise’s next major release.
The transition also represents a significant change in how Microsoft is managing one of its most recognisable gaming properties. More information about Activision’s plans could emerge as development progresses.
For now, fans will have to wait for official details about the new game, its development team and Microsoft’s wider plans for the Halo franchise.
